Best practices for security often call for an integrated technology approach whenever possible. For example, integrating access control with surveillance video can provide visual verification and the ability to identify an individual when a secured entry point is forced open or in the event of a tailgating issue.
While access control and video surveillance are considered the most natural security technologies to integrate, there are other solutions on the market that prove just as powerful when combined. Access control, when used with an IP intercom system, provides numerous security benefits and natural synergies that can enhance facility-wide security and provide security professionals with an audit trail in the event of an incident. Here are three reasons to combine intercoms and access control.
Enhance facility security
Facility executives who implement a multi-layered security approach can greatly improve the overall security within their buildings. Connecting multiple devices together, such as an access control system and intercoms, provides a complete audit trail from the time a person enters a property and as they travel throughout the facility. For example, an intercom at a building entrance can capture valuable information about a visitor before that individual is permitted to enter, such as the person’s name and purpose of the visit . A video intercom system can also record the interaction between the receptionist and visitor and take an image of that visitor. As the visitor travels throughout the property, the visitor can be required to use a guest badge at various points to gain access to certain areas, such as conference rooms, common areas, or secure floors.
Remote management and monitoring
While many people would not think of leaving for work without their mobile phone, not everyone remembers to bring their access control credential with them to the office every day. With an integrated IP video intercom system, an office manager or receptionist can be available at the push of a button to screen an employee at the front door who may have forgotten their access control badge at home. With a video intercom system, the receptionist can talk to and see the employee to confirm that person’s identity before permitting the employee to enter.
Along that same line, an office manager can also use the video intercom system to actively monitor an entrance point. When paired with an access control system, these alerts can become automatic or filed into a report, providing an audit of who entered the property at what time, and link that to video footage captured through the video intercom system.
Cost effective security
Investing in a security system for a business or multi-tenant building can be a costly proposition, especially when installing and integrating multiple security systems. Surveillance systems alone can cost thousands of dollars when taking into consideration the addition of a video management system or needing to install dozens of IP cameras. IP intercoms, with built-in video, can help solve that problem by providing a cost-effective surveillance system that can capture each visitor upon entrance into a building.
The integration of access control with intercoms offers significant advantages. By combining these two essential components, businesses and residential complexes alike can create a robust security infrastructure that improves safety, enhances operational efficiency, and provides a better overall experience for occupants and visitors.
